Celebrities & Alzheimer’s

From 1960 (age 42), early onset of Alzheimer's disease (undiagnosed until 1980) limited Rita's powers; the last few roles in her 60-film career were increasingly small. Almost helpless by 1981, Rita was cared for by daughter Yasmin Khan until her death at age 68.

Peter Falk

(Photo credit by PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images)

Was diagnosed with dementia in 2008, which was most likely brought on by Alzheimer's disease.

Perry Como

(Photo by AP Photo)

Suffered from Alzheimer's disease in his final years and died of the disease in 2001.

Ken Howard

(Photo by AP Photo)

Best known for his performance as a street-savvy teacher in the classic 70's drama The White Shadow, Ken Howard on September 24, 2009 was elected the National President of The Screen Actors Guild. He is also a member of the Board of the Los Angeles Alzheimer's Committee.

James Doohan

(Photo credit by AP Photo/Paramount Pictures, Elliott Marks)

The 'Star Trek' star suffered from Alzheimer's disease and was ravaged by Parkinson's disease, diabetes, lung fibrosis and pneumonia.

Terrell Owens #81

Terrell Owens seen playing for the 49ers early in his carer (Photo credit by Otto Greule Jr./Allsport)

Best known for his role as 'McGarrett' in the 60's-70's Hawaii 5-0, Lord suffered from Alzheimer's disease in his final years. Lord died of congestive heart failure in 1998.

Seth Rogen & Wife Lauren Miller

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Actor Seth Rogen and his wife actress Lauren Miller. Miller's mother was diagnosed with early Alheimer's at the age of 55.

Glen Cambell

(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images for NAMM)

The country icon was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

U.S. President Ronald Reagan

(Photo credit by AFP/Getty Images)

Father, Actor and President of the United States, Ronald Reagan died of Alzheimer's in 2004.

Charlton Heston

(Photo credit by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images)

In 2002, the 'Planet of the Apes' star was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and has not appeared in a film or TV production since 2003.

Leeza Gibbons

(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

The former Entertainment Tonight correspondent's mother and grandmother both died of the disease.

Charles Bronson

(Photo credit by GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)

In 2002, the 'Planet of the Apes' star was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and has not appeared in a film or TV production since 2003.

Angie Dickenson

(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

The one time "Police Woman's" sister, Mary Lou past away from the disease.

Burgess Meredith

(Photo by AP Photo)

Suffered from melanoma and other ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, at the time of his death in 1997.

Sargent Shriver

(Photo credit by AP Photo/Nanine Hartzenbusch)

Sargent Shriver died in January 2011 from Alzheimers.

Diane Keaton

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI)

Keaton’s forthcoming memoir, Then Again, is about her life, career, and her mother’s 15-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mother kept some 90 journals during her life and Keaton read them back to her during her final years. Keaton began writing her memoir soon after her mother’s death in 2008.

Bobby Womack

(Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Soul singer Bobby Womack says that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member told the BBC in a recent interview the diagnosis came after he began having difficulty remembering his songs and the names of people he's worked with.

"The doctor said you have signs of Alzheimer's," he told Gilles Peterson on BBC 6 Music. "He said it's not bad yet but it's going to get worse."

"How can I not remember songs that I wrote? That's frustrating," Womack added.